The Republic of Ireland earned a hard-fought 3-2 win over Latvia in Wednesday's international friendly at the Aviva Stadium. Here's how the players rated:
Caoimhin Kelleher - 5
It was the goalkeeper's first game since Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Wolves in the FA Cup last January at Molineux. Kelleher showed no signs of rust as he played the ball out to an Ireland team sent out to dominate possession.
He also kept his cool to deal with a Latvian advance early in the first half. But, when a shot deflected off Nathan Collins in the final seconds of the first half, he couldn’t control the ball after saving and it trickled in.
Matt Doherty - 7
The right wing-back captained Ireland almost five years to the day from his international debut. His experience combined with the youth of Will Smallbone and together they tormented Latvia on the right hand side.
Doherty even got the pre-assist for the opening goal. The full-back’s copy book was blotted by giving away the ball and this led to Roberts Uldriķis scoring from distance.
Nathan Collins - 7
The defender seemed to rewrite any rules around him with a sublime goal against Ukraine last summer.
He repeated those skills on Wednesday as he pushed Ireland up from defence. When he wasn’t carrying the team forward, Collins marshalled the back three.
Dara O’Shea - 7
The defender had very little to do from a defensive point of view. Ireland dominated possesion but everything Latvia did send up the pitch, O’Shea and the defence handled with ease.
Andrew Omobamidele - 6
After an injury blighted 2022, the defender returned and did exactly what he was told against Latvia. He cannot be faulted for the two goals, especially with the opposition reduced to just four shots in the first half.
Alan Browne - 6
The Preston North End captain linked up well in the centre with Michael Obafemi and he had a shot saved by the Latvian goalkeeper. It was a comfortable evening all around for the midfielder, who did exactly what he was told in the middle of the pitch.
Callum O’Dowda - 8
He dominated the left wing and was in the right place to score the first goal. In addition to this, his early set-piece delivery was inch-perfect and this tormented Latvia. He performed the role of wing-back with ease and looks like a solid deputy for Doherty when he isn’t playing on the left.
Jayson Molumby - 4
The midfielder had a quiet performance in the centre of the park but a foul from him led to the second goal. This followed Molumby failing to close down for Latvia’s first goal, which was scored from 30 yards out.
Will Smallbone - 8
The Under-21 graduate adapted to life in the senior team seamlessly with an excellent performance in midfield. He worked with Doherty on the right hand side, and got rewarded with an assist for the first goal.
He finished off the night by getting named Player of the Match. The Southampton midfielder didn’t put a foot wrong as he stepped up to the senior team.
Michael Obafemi - 8
The striker was everywhere for Ireland tonight as he ran the full length of the pitch while linking up play in the centre. He was rewarded with an assist by keeping a cross from Doherty in play at the back post, and Ferguson finished this off. His spatial awareness allowed seamless play with Browne in the centre, and he nearly set up the midfielder to score in the first half.
Evan Ferguson - 8
Wednesday was all about the highest scoring teenager in the Premier League this season and he did not disappoint as he scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland senior men’s team. In addition to this, he linked up perfectly and played seamlessly with the rest of the forward line. He couldn’t have asked for a better night.
Substitutes
John Egan - 5
The substitute had very little to do after coming on in the middle of the second half. He was still tidy with every pass he sent out from defence.
Mikey Johnston - 8
Just a glimpse was enough to make even the most passive Irish football fan excited about the winger who hit the post with his first run into the box. That was followed by a number of clever runs into the area that were unlucky to end in a goal.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 8
The winger was in the right place to score as he entered the pitch. Ogbene took it in his stride and got his first goal since the 2-2 draw with Belgium last March.
Troy Parrott - 5
The pace of the game was very slow by the time he was brought on but he still linked up well with the rest of the Irish team.
James McClean - 5
The full back earned his 98th cap and put in some excellent set pieces.
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